I've decided it would be reasonable to make a combined table to demonstrate the chronological evolution of US Navy shoulder straps since 1841 (when they appeared first time as rank insignias in the Regulations) and till 1913, when they were officially abolished. Just click on the image to enlarge.

And I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Steven Bingaman for his invaluable consulting aid during the work upon this chart. Thanks a lot, Steve))

An order of July 6 1867 added narrow silver cords to the ensign's straps, and graduate midshipmen got the former ensign strap.

Ensign 1867-1869:

strap_ens_1867.png (45.62 KiB) Viewed 2005 times

Graduate Midshipman 1867-1869:

strap_ens_1866.png (11.85 KiB) Viewed 2005 times

I should mention that John Stacey, in his book on USN shoulder straps/boards, is of the opinion that the 1867 ensign insignia was never actually used (though he doesn't cite the correct date of the order). I think it probably was, in the absence of any countermanding order, but there is some question about it.

For the insignia of Admiral, the 1866 and '69 regulations illustrate straps with the crowns of the gold anchors pointing outward. The 1886 regulations show the crowns pointing inward for collar insignia, though whether that also applied to shoulder straps is open to question. It does seem that Admiral Dewey wore inward-pointing anchors on the straps, though (photo here).

Unfortunately I have the textual version of mentioned Regulations only. But does it mean that Captain's anchors should be oriented in the same manner, as Admiral's?

Anyway, I've dared to remain their orientation without any change. But if they were really oriented in opposite directions comparing with what I've made, could you please clarify which ranks and in which period according to the chart should be corrected?

Unfortunately I have the textual version of mentioned Regulations only. But does it mean that Captain's anchors should be oriented in the same manner, as Admiral's?

Yeah, the Naval History and Heritage website used to have the 1866 illustrations online but they disappeared when they updated their website a couple of months ago. A lot of stuff is just gone or very hard to find now.

Anyway, your illustrations for captain are correct. This is from the 1869 regulations:

Anyway, I've dared to remain their orientation without any change. But if they were really oriented in opposite directions comparing with what I've made, could you please clarify which ranks and in which period according to the chart should be corrected?

I would probably go with "outward" anchors for Admiral from 1866-1897 and "inward" from 1899 on.